Special Session on Violence against Women during Beijing+20 Regional Conference
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Photo credit: Photo credit: UN Women/Pornvit Visitoran
On 25 November each year, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in an effort to come together as a global community to address this absolutely critical area.
This year, a special session on VAW took place on 20th November, within the framework of the Asian and Pacific Conference on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Beijing+20 review, to represent the official regional commemoration of the International Day to End Violence against Women.
During the event, female and male activists shared their personal stories and experiences dealing with violence and the audience participated in an interactive quiz to “test” their awareness about the issue.
The session saw the participation of at least 600 representatives from Member States, civil society organizations, young people, media and UN agencies who signed a commitment pledge to accelerate action to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. The Queen Mother of Bhutan, Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, was the first to sign followed by the Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar and UN Women Regional Director Roberta Clarke. Link to pledge.
The event was an inter-agency effort implemented under the umbrella of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign. Launched in 2008 by the UN Secretary-General, the Campaign aims to raise public awareness and increasing political will and resources for ending violence against women and girls.
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Photo credit: Photo credit: UN Women/Pornvit Visitoran
Photo credit: Photo credit: UN Women/Pornvit Visitoran
Photo credit: Photo credit: UN Women/Pornvit Visitoran